In the article, Woodcock discusses FDA efforts to strike a
balance between access to pain medication for those who need it and
managing the risks posed by various analgesics. As examples, she
cites recent FDA actions on acetaminophen, the low-potency opioid
propoxyphene, and high-potency opioids such as Oxycontin.

These actions are part of the FDA's ongoing Safe Use Initiative,
aimed at reducing the likelihood of preventable harm from
medication use. Millions of people are harmed every year from
inappropriate medication use. Many injuries occur as a result of
incomplete access to information about a drug, a patient, or the
patient's condition. Other preventable sources of harm include
unintentional misuse of medications, medication abuse, and attempts
at self harm.